Again, Nigerians count losses as floods ravage states

Every year, Nigeria records devastating floods across states.

This year is not an exception as many states have so far been affected and residents have been counting their losses.

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Our correspondents visited some of the flood-prone states and now report.

Kaduna

As early as August, 2020, communities in Kaduna State had started witnessing devastating effects of flood.

Among those who lost their lives to this menace were a commercial motorcyclist and the son of a community leader at the Hayin Malam Bello New Extension.

They died when the bridge linking the community with the Nnamdi Azikwe expressway got flooded.

During this period, Kigo Road, Askolaye, Bashama Road in Tudun Wada; Hayin Malam Bello New Extension; Dan Mani; Rafin Guza; Malalin Gabas; Barnawa; Romi /Karatudu and Unguwar Rimi witnessed massive flood.

It was also observed that some residents were forced to vacate their houses until the water subsided.

The head of the Department of Emergency and Operations in the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency, Alhaji Yau Abdullahi Muhammad, told our correspondent that they had repeatedly warned residents to vacate river banks.

He said about nine local government areas out of the 23 in the state were already affected by the floods, and explained that the agency was collecting data from other areas to properly ascertain the total number of affected zones.

Muhammad said, “We have witnessed floods in Chikun, Kaduna North, Kaduna South, part of Igabi, Kudan, Zaria, Jema’a, Kachia and Soba. However, we thank God that ours is less devastating when compared to what is happening in other states.

We are always advising people to monitor water levels in their communities. As soon as they sense danger they should leave for other places.’’

He said government would offer the necessary assistance after the collection of all the details of victims.

Kano

In Kano, statistics obtained from the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) showed that 25 persons were killed, 8,500 farmlands destroyed and 24,920 persons affected by floods between June and now.

In the same period, no fewer than 5,824 houses were also destroyed across the state.

Daily Trust Saturday observed that the most affected local governments were Bagwai, Wudil, Warawa, Rogo, Danbatta, Gabasawa, Minjibir, Bichi,  Kura, Kumbutso, Shanono, amongst others.

The executive secretary of the SEMA, Dr Sale Jili, said the agency had deployed assessment teams to the affected areas for necessary action.

“After this response, the victims would be given relief materials, including food items and building materials.

“The affected areas have been visited for assessment,” he said.

He called on wealthy individuals and agencies to assist the state government in mitigating the effects of flooding on victims.

He advised residents to desist from building on, or dumping refuse on waterways.

Ogun

On July 4, a heavy downpour had rendered some roads impassable in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, even as a bridge at Ijeja Stadium was cut off.

Mostly affected were Kuto, Isale -Igbein, Lanfewa, Amolaso, Ijeun-Titun, Ago-Ijesa, Abiola Way, Isale Abetu, Sokori, Igbore, Oke Mosan and Isale Make area, all in Abeokuta South and North local government areas.

Although no live has been lost to floods in the state this year, properties worth millions of naira have been destroyed.

Last Monday, the state government asked residents of about 40 communities that are prone to flooding to relocate immediately, in view of prediction on impending floods.

According to the prediction, the high risk areas are Abeokuta South, Ogun Waterside and Ijebu East local government areas, while probable flood areas are Ewekoro, Abeokuta North, Odeda and Ifo.

“Whether they live on illegal structures or not, we shall continue to make sure that government protects them.

“That is why we are advising them to leave the flood-prone areas.

“But those structures will give way,’’ Abudu-Balogun said.

Last week, a delegation of the NEMA, led by Air Commodore Edward Adedokun, visited the state to discuss how to mitigate the effects of flood.

He appealed to the state government to identify high risk areas for possible response.

Responding, the commissioner for environment told the delegation that government had already commenced massive dredging of rivers and de-silting of canals across the state to curb incidents of flooding.

The commissioner disclosed that those who were asked to vacate their communities had started relocating.

He said government would deploy persuasive means instead of force to ensure that the affected communities relocate to safe areas.

Anambra

Unlike some other states, residents of Anambra said they were yet to experience flooding this year.

This is probably because, for over three weeks in August, there was no serious rain in the state.

However, it is building up gradually as the rains have started coming down constantly.

Mr​ Alex Okafor, who hails from Anambra East Local Government Area, said the river in his area had started rising​ and some farms are gradually being affected.

He said the people were taking precautionary measures to avoid any possible disaster.

The executive secretary of the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr Paul Odenigbo, said that presently, there are no serious flood issues in the state.

He said that last week, his team visited some flood-prone areas to educate them on the need to play their parts in controlling the menace of flood in their communities.

“Recently, we were in Ogbaru, Anambra East and other places, in continuation of our sensitisation campaign.

“There was a prediction of possible serious flooding in some of the communities, but we are trying to ensure that it is mitigated,” he said.

He, however, acknowledged that the sea level had started rising and some farmlands are being affected in some of the communities.

Delta

To mitigate possible effects of flooding this season, the Delta State House of Assembly has called on Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to, as a matter of urgency, direct the relevant agencies of government to immediately commence preventive and precautionary measures along coastal communities.

The state is among the 28 the Federal Government identified as flashpoints in the 2020 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) released by the Nigeria Hydrological Survey Agency (NIHSA).

In a unanimous resolution on a motion under matters of urgent public importance brought by the member representing Ughelli South constituency, Rueben Izeze, the House called on the governor to direct all relevant ministries and agencies to take proactive measures against a possible disaster.

Izeze particularly mentioned Okwagbe, Ofrukama, Okpare and Omosuomo in Ughelli South, among others, as communities with high risk of flooding.

He said there was the need to embark on intensive preventive and precautionary measures, including sensitisation of residents of the coastal communities, clearing of blockages on existing waterways, de-silting of canals and drains, as well as preparing temporary camps to accommodate residents of communities that may require relocation.

Members of the House described the motion as timely and unanimously adopted it through voice votes.

Bayelsa

Although the people of Bayelsa State are yet to experience flood this year, residents have already started relocating from areas affected by the disaster in previous years.

Residents of communities such as Toro-Urua, Sampou and the Epie Creek axis of Yenagoa and some places in Ogbia, said Bayelsa was always the last to be affected; hence there was the need to take proactive steps.

A resident of Ogbia, Angel Frank, said the people of Bayelsa would always prepare for flood every year since it is always expected.

According to her, the state usually records floods from October when water from River Niger and River Benue moves to the Atlantic Ocean.

She said that already, rivers had started overflowing its banks, so it is deal for people to begin to relocate to higher places to avert casualties.

While hosting the NEMA, Governor Douye Diri urged officials to correct the misconception that only three local government areas usually suffer from the effect of flooding in the state.

He said the whole state was flood-prone because it occupies the lowest part of the country; hence it is a gateway of waters going into the Atlantic Ocean.

He, however, listed the most dangerous areas to include Ekeremor, Southern Ijaw, Sagbama, Kolokuma/Opokuma and Yenagoa communities.

While assuring of the state government’s readiness to support the NEMA to carry out an objective assessment of environmental challenges facing the state, the governor reiterated his call on the Federal Government to pay more attention to the development of Bayelsa.

He said, “I thank you for this visit. But let me use this opportunity to correct the misconception that only three local government areas experience flooding in Bayelsa.

“You specifically mentioned Nembe, Ogbia and Nembe, but that is not the true position.

“These places, particularly in Nembe and Brass have brackish water, so flood threat is not as high as the fresh water areas.

On the converse, parts of Southern Ijaw that do not have brackish water, Ekeremor, Sagbama, Kolokuma/Opokuma and Yenagoa, are the areas that usually have high probable flooding.

The truth is that the whole of Bayelsa is flood-prone and must be treated as such.

I can tell you that even this Government House is under threat.

If not that we have done a semi dyke, you would have seen the water very close by now.”

Nasarawa

An official of the Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), who did not want his name mentioned, told our correspondent that in Ara and Udeni Magaji communities in Nasarawa Local Government Area of the state, at least 100 people were displaced by flood while many villages were submerged.

He also said there were similar threats of flood disaster in Guto village, where the people refused to relocate.

He urged them to have a rethink and save their lives and property.

He said the state government provided five boats, live jackets, stretchers, among other things, to move victims to safe zones.

He said the state government provided 45 trucks of assorted grains and building materials for victims of the flood across the state.

He added that the NEMA provided 142 bags of maize, 142 bags of rice and 142 bags of beans for the victims of flood in the state.

He commended the agency for the gesture and called on victims to make good use of the items.

Meanwhile, over 25 illegal structures built on waterways have been demolished in Lafia, Akwanga and Karu local government areas of the state as a precautionary measure against flooding.

River Kilema in Lafia metropolis has repeatedly flooded and submerged farms, houses, cemeteries etc.

The director of flood, erosion control and land reclamation, Mr Jonathan Kwaghkaha Ortoho, said plans had been perfected to tackle erosion at Umasha in Toto, Loko, Nasarawa, Rukubi, Doma and Tunga in Awe local government areas of the state.

According to the chief environmental officer in the state Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Alhaji Abubakar Mohammed, the state was listed as one of the 32 that would encounter floods this year, as predicted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET). He, therefore, said there was the need to make efforts at tackling the menace.

Also speaking, the commissioner for environment and natural resources, Musa Ibrahim said, “We have taken the warning seriously.

“We are already sensitising the public.

“Those who live on waterways in Doma, Lafia, Nasarawa, Akwanga, Karu and Toto local government areas should relocate and ensure that all drainages are cleared.”

Rivers

This year, 14 local government areas in Rivers State, including Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Abia Odua, Oyigbo, Obio Akpor, Port Harcourt City, Bonny, Akuku-Toru and Asari-Toru, have witnessed heavy flooding.

In Oyigbo, residents of Umusoya, Mbano Camp, High Tension Area, School Road and Kom Kom witnessed heavy flooding last month.

Some residents of High Tension Lane have relocated due to the impact of the flood.

Our correspondent learnt that houses were submerged while properties worth thousands of naira were destroyed.

A resident of the area, Ebere Chukwu, said residents were forced to relocate.

“In recent times, in my area, whenever it rained, the entire place would be flooded and residents would battle to salvage their belongings.

“Last week, the effect was devastating. My entire house was flooded and many of my property washed away.

“As I talk to you now, my remaining properties are kept somewhere because of fear of another rainfall,’’ he said.

In Ahoada East and West, residents have started relocating because that zone is known for flooding anytime it rains.

A couple of weeks ago, many residents of the area were said to have been sacked by flood while properties, including agricultural products worth millions of naira were destroyed.

The story is the same in Obio Akpor, Port Harcourt City, Bonny, Asari-Toru and Akuku-Toru.

Walson Ibarakuma, zonal coordinator of the NEMA, South-South, told correspondents that14 local government areas of the state were at the risk of being flooded.

He told those in such areas to move to safe grounds.

The State Ministry of Environment, however, said government had taken measures to check the effect of floods in the affected areas.

Gombe

In Gombe, residents of the state capital and various local government areas have witnessed flooding since the beginning of this rainy season.

In the process, two lives were lost, houses, farmlands and other properties worth millions of naira were destroyed and residents rendered homeless.

The most hit areas were Kwami, Nafada, Dukku, Billiri, Yamaltu/Deba and Gombe local government areas. Over 200 houses were reportedly affected while domestic animals worth millions of naira also perished.

Also, three weeks after the incident, Nafada town was hit again, and many houses and farmlands were washed away, while hundreds of domestic animals were killed.

Subsequently, residents have expressed fear that the situation would result in food scarcity across the state.

The government, through the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and other relevant agencies, has already embarked on the assessment of the situation for possible intervention.

Affected residents were advised to heed to warnings and avoid building in flood-prone areas.

Ismaila Uba Misilli, the senior special assistant on media and publicity to Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, said the state government was embarking on preventive measures through massive tree planting.

“Government is also undertaking community sensitisation and mobilisation for attitudinal change as environmental degradation is understood to be largely caused by poor human attitudes,” Misilli said.

Borno

In Borno State, the executive secretary, Geographic Information Services, Adam Bababe, an engineer, said to curb flooding, government embarked on the demolition of structures erected on waterways.

Also, the zonal coordinator of the NEMA, Mr Ishaya Chonoko, said the agency had embarked on awareness campaign programmes aimed at protecting the communities.

He said a total of 8,448 households were affected by floods in communities like Bama, Mobbar, Kala balge, Damboa, Chibok, Askira/Uba, Kwaya Kusar, Shani, MMC, Jere, Konduga and Gwoza.

Edo

In Edo State, it is said that the flood situation has not reached an alarming stage as houses have not been destroyed and no death has been recorded.

However, the state government said it was fully prepared to handle any flood situation.

“We have made a camp ready for possible displaced persons.

“We are also stocking relief materials.

“Based on our past experiences, we have decided not to wait for the flood to start before doing something,’’ the special adviser to the governor on emergency, Yakubu Gowon said.

He said residents of riverine areas had been sensitised to move to higher grounds the moment they notice rising water level.

“We have started talking to communities and religious leaders on the need to sensitise their subjects,’’ he said.

Osun

Osun is one of the states that have been warned to prepare for an imminent flood between August and October this year.

To forestall the disaster, the state government identified 17 critical areas to be dredged.

Some buildings in flood-prone areas, particularly those close to waterways, were also demolished.

Government also called for attitudinal change among residents.

“First, apart from the fact that some states were warned against possible flooding in some parts of the country, our administration has been proactive.

“We are doing this to ensure that we do not experience flooding in our state.

“Dredging has become a routine exercise we do on a regular basis.

“This exercise is not limited to this place, it cuts across strategic places, particularly flashpoints,’’ Governor Oyetola said.

Ondo

Reports from Ondo State indicate that places like Irele, Ondo West, Ilaje, Akoko North, Ondo East and Ese Odo are prone to flood.

To this end, the secretary to the state government, Mr Temitayo Oluwatuyi, said they had begun sensitisation on measures to mitigate flood in the state.

A market woman from Ikare, Mrs Toyin Daodu, said the road in her area had become impassable for vehicles.

It is the same story from Ikum to Iwaro Oka, where only okada riders charge exorbitant fares to carry passengers.

A resident of Okeagbe Akoko, Mr Idowu Durojaye, lamented that the poor state of roads in his area had given rise to road kidnapping and robbery.

Kebbi

In Kebbi State, it was reported that no fewer than 33 persons died as a result of canoe mishap, building collapse and drowning following floods that ravaged the state in recent times.

A family of six in Arewa Local Government reportedly lost their lives following a building collapse due to flooding.

The executive chairman of the Kebbi State Emergency Management Agency (KSEMA), Sani Dododo, said flood had affected all the 21 local government areas in the state, although 17 of them were identified as high risk zones.

He said the agency was still compiling statistics on affected farmlands, houses and animals, with a view to taking the right action.

He said there might be scarcity of rice in the state this year because farmers were the worst hit as 90 per cent of their farmlands were washed away.

He further said bridges were forced to collapse in Bagudo Local Government Area, one each in Arewa, Argungu and Birnin Kebbi areas.

Ebonyi

There is no major case of flooding yet in Ebonyi State.

However, in Ivo Local Government Area, flooding is traceable to an unfinished dam project by the Federal Government.

The secretary to the state emergency agency, Mr. Kenneth Uzoma, said five local government areas were in the list of high target zones while three were in the lower region.

“The high target areas are Ezza North and South, Afikpo North, Ikwo and Ohankwu.

“Others are Ishielu, Ohaozara and Abakiliki.

“So far, we have not recorded any death, but destruction on farmlands is unquantifiable,’’ he explained.